About the role#
The ThinkBIG Technician program is a two-year training path for students pursuing a career as a Caterpillar Dealership Service Technician. This role follows an alternating schedule where you spend eight weeks in classroom instruction at Illinois Central College in East Peoria, Illinois, followed by eight weeks of paid, on-site internship work at Thompson Machinery. You will develop technical skills through hands-on training and mentorship to prepare for a career as a Field Service Technician.
What you'll do#
- Perform preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on CAT construction equipment under mentor supervision.
- Assist with the setup, service, installation, and replacement of machine components.
- Read and work with mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical or electronic schematics and wiring diagrams.
- Operate computers and service software to complete documentation and coursework.
- Submit required reports and academic updates on time.
What you'll need#
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Ability to maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA throughout the program.
- Valid state driver's license.
- Ability to meet standardized testing score minimums for ACT, SAT, or ACCUPLACER.
- Basic set of mechanic hand tools.
- Enrollment in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Engineering programs.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, paid internship.
- Work is performed on-site.
- The program requires travel to East Peoria, Illinois for academic rotations and work at Thompson Machinery locations in Memphis, Tennessee.
About Thompson Machinery
Thompson Machinery is a machinery manufacturing company founded in 1944. Based in LaVergne, Tennessee, it acts as the exclusive Caterpillar dealer for Middle Tennessee, West Tennessee, and North Mississippi. The company serves construction, forestry, mining, and industrial sectors. It also manages the Thompson Power division for marine and power generation businesses.
How to get in at Thompson Machinery
Applying early to Thompson Machinery gives you a distinct advantage before the applicant pool grows too large. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you can submit your materials among the first candidates. Getting your application in early helps ensure your profile is seen by the hiring team before the queue becomes overwhelming. You can reach out to recruiters directly to ask about the role or a referral, which materially improves response rates. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company's roles to help you make those connections. Navigating the hiring process is often about who you know, so using these tools helps you bypass the standard wait.
